With the spooky season officially behind us (cue the boos), it’s officially time to get into the holiday spirit! And what better way to do that than with a GTA holiday market guide?
Doing your holiday shopping in an area where you work, live and play is a gift in and of itself. Not to mention, supporting local is – in our humble opinion – one of the best ways to spend your money this season! For this reason, we’ve created a chronological list (earliest to latest) of a few markets in and around the GTA yule absolutely adore.
November 12: Brooklin Merry Market, Whitby
We’re starting our guide off at Brooklin’s Lakeridge Links Golf Course, and it’s here you’ll find a roster of 60+ talented vendors giving shoppers an authentic taste of Whitby! The Brooklin Merry Market will be showcasing vendors selling everything from clothing and apparel to delicious homemade baked goods to a plethora of crafted trinkets and treasures. Everything you’ll see on display at this market is guaranteed to be made with nothing but love – the kind you want to spread during the holidays.
November 12: Craftadian, Burlington
Created by makers for makers, Craftadian (formerly known as Made By Hand) is an excellent place to gather small-batched Canadian goods! Fun fact: the market was created by a Canadian crafter named Jacqueline who realized her passion for bringing artists and makers together in one space, and has been killing the game for over 10 years now! Find them at the Ron Joyce Centre this November to see all they have to offer this holiday season.
Photo credits: Creative Heart Media
November 19-20: Christkindlmarkt, Erin
If you’re willing to venture just outside the GTA for your holiday shopping needs, the Erin Agricultural Society Christmas Market (a.k.a. Christkindlmarkt) is sure to be worth that extra mileage. The EAS is well-known for hosting some top-tier fairs and markets, with this year’s Christmas Market being the first of its kind on Erin Fairgrounds! What better way to welcome them to the holiday market game than by visiting them this November?
November 18-December 31: Holiday Hills by Stackt, Toronto
If you’re looking for an immersive winter wonderland experience while you shop for your gifts, then Stackt’s Holiday Hills festival is the place to be. Happening over the course of six weekends from November to December, Duuo will be presenting a vendor market each Saturday that showcases a plethora of small Canadian businesses that are sure to be offering the most exciting and unique items for you to get your hands on. Interested in learning more about Holiday Hills? Check out Stackt’s website to see all of the other festivities they’ll be offering over the next two months!
Photo credits: @stacktmarket on Instagram
November 24-December 4: One Of A Kind Winter Show, Toronto
Known as the largest craft show in North America, OOAK is returning for yet another exciting show this winter in Toronto! OOAK emanates the beauty behind handmade products, the excellence behind crafting, and is the ultimate place to support small and local this season. If you’re unsure of where to begin your gift gathering this year, this show is guaranteed to help you start, or finish, your holiday shopping.
Photo credits: @ooak_toronto on Instagram
November 26-27: Parkwood Winter Fest Market, Oshawa
Hosted at one of the few remaining grand estates in the country, the Parkwood Winter Fest Market allows customers to support the national historical site in which it resides, along with a group of over 15 talented local artisans! Stop by the market this holiday season to enjoy 15% off at the Parkwood gift shop and plenty of awesome handmade items to share with your loved ones.
December 2-4, 9-11: Aurora Christmas Market, Aurora
Did you know that the Aurora Christmas Market is known as one of the top 100 festivals and events in Ontario? From workshops and vendors to buskers and other exciting forms of entertainment, you’ll want to make this shopping trip a full visitation experience! If you can’t make the initial market weekend (Dec. 2-4), don’t sweat it! As one of the few markets that host two full weekends of shopping and fun, you’ll have the chance to attend just the weekend after.
Photo credits: Town of Aurora on Facebook
December 10-11: Craftadian, Hamilton
Although just outside the GTA, Craftadian is hosting not just one but two markets this year! Happening nearly a month after their Burlington market, the Hamilton market is looking to be just as incredible. Regardless of which market you attend, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with many small business owners selling original artworks, handmade accessories and clothing, delicious baked goods and so much more.
We hope this list of can’t-miss markets not only gets you into the holiday spirit but also gives you some inspiration on where to do your shopping this year (and every year)!
We’re absolutely thrilled to be partnered with each of these markets to provide their vendors with the protection and security they need to grow their businesses over the frosty season! If you’re a vendor looking to get coverage for an upcoming holiday market (or any market!), click here to get a quote today.
